Why am I having trouble sending photos and videos to the lists?

We still have many members on the lists with slow dial-up connections so we've placed a 600Kbyte size limit on message size. You can see how long it takes to download a file at different bit speeds at http://www.numion.com/Calculators/Time.html. The limit makes it impossible to send a video file because they're usually in megabytes. An alternative is to google the video file name and try to find a webpage such as "You Tube" that has the same video. Then you can send the webpage address instead of the video file and members can decide for themselves whether they want to watch it.

To send photos to the list it's best to resize them using software like free PHOTO RESIZER available on the NBCUG webpage at http://www.nbcug.com/links.htm. It only takes seconds using the default settings and a one megabyte photo usually reduces to around 50Kbytes which is a good size for e-mail. Give it a different file name if you want to save the original.

What can I do about too much unwanted mail from the lists?

The solution most people suggest is to hit the delete key. But unless you're using webmail this means you waste time downloading unwanted mail to your PC. What I've used for years and suggested many times is free MAILWASHER available at www.mailwasher.net. This allows you to preview mail at your server before downloading to your PC's mail program. Of course, if you're using your ISP's webmail you don't need MAILWASHER. But if you're using a mail program like MS Outlook Express, an alternative is to go to Tools/Message Rules and enter an unwanted address on the Blocked Sender list. This transfers mail from the sender to your deleted items folder. Better yet, go to Tools/Message Rules/Mail and set up specific conditions for blocking mail and under Actions to take scroll down and select Delete from your server and you won't waste time downloading.

How can I send a message to the list without offending anybody?

It's probably impossible! Somebody won't like what you send no matter what it is. Don't worry about it. But here are some tips that might make your mail more acceptable:

1. Don't forward mail blindly just because you happen to agree with it or it came from a reputable friend. Check if it's true using key words in Google or Bing. The more sensational the message the more likely it will be false or embellished. If someone proves your message is false, send an apology to all the recipients.

2. Learn how to edit out forwarding addresses and garbage in a message before sending. If you don't know how to do this get someone to show you and your mail will have more credibility.

3. If you really want to make an important point in a message don't screw it up with bad grammar and spelling. Check it out carefully and send it to yourself to see if it looks good. Don't use miniscule or huge type or all caps. Clean out unneeded garbage.

4. Don't consider yourself in charge of sending all humor, political or religious commentary to the list. Most folks won't appreciate your daily dose and start sending your mail to the trash bucket.